Fall Apple Chicken Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

Capture the flavors of autumn with this irresistible Fall Apple Chicken Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette, a perfect blend of crisp textures and comforting seasonal ingredients. Tender, paprika-rubbed grilled chicken crowns a vibrant bed of mixed greens, sweet apple slices, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. Creamy crumbled goat cheese adds a luxurious touch, while the homemade maple mustard vinaigrette ties it all together with a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Ready in just 35 minutes, this salad is as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve—a must-make recipe for healthy fall lunches or dinners. Rich in flavor and nutrition, it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 large sweet apple (e.g., Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 0.5 cups dried cranberries
• 0.5 cups toasted pecans
• 0.5 cups crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoons salt (for dressing)
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (for dressing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Rub the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Cook the chicken on the preheated pan for about 7-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Set aside and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 4

While the chicken is cooking, wash and dry the mixed salad greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.

Step 5

Slice the apple into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for added texture and color. Add the apple slices to the salad bowl along with dried cranberries and toasted pecans.

Step 6

Crumble the goat cheese over the salad ingredients.

Step 7

In a small bowl or mason jar, prepare the Maple Mustard Vinaigrette by whisking together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.

Step 8

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.

Step 9

Top the salad with the sliced chicken and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1180.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2587.0

Total Fat 168.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.2g
Cholesterol 364.2mg	0%
Sodium 4370.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 100.2g
Protein 139.4g	0%

Vitamin D 17.4IU	0%
Calcium 369.2mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 2102.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.8%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 19.6%